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Fatherhood in the Middle School Years | Dwight DeRamus

Writer: Tamara Braxton
Tamara Braxton
3 days ago
2 min read

Updated: 1 day ago

Sometimes a father doesn't have to say a single word. Just showing up can make all the difference. But what does it really mean for a father to be present? And how do we make sure our children feel supported, especially when family life doesn't look the way we originally imagined?


In this episode of Middle School Mayhem™, I'm joined by educator and award-winning author Dwight DeRamus for a candid conversation about fatherhood, family relationships, and the importance of raising children with intentional love, guidance, and accountability. We explore what adolescents need from the adults in their lives, and why parenting as a team matters, whether you're married, separated, or navigating a different family structure.


Watch the Conversation

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In This Episode, We Talk About:

  • Presence versus involvement: Why being physically present isn't the same as being emotionally connected to your child.

  • The importance of fathers: How a father's presence, absence, or inconsistent involvement can shape a child's experiences and relationships.

  • Independence with guidance: Giving middle schoolers room to grow while maintaining expectations, structure, and boundaries.

  • Listening before fixing: Why our children sometimes need us to hear them instead of immediately jumping in with solutions.

  • The home–school connection: Building relationships with teachers, counselors, and other parents to create a stronger support system.

  • Parenting as a team: Why putting differences aside, when possible, and keeping the child's well-being at the center matters more than the relationship status of the adults.


One Thing to Remember

Toward the end of our conversation, I shared a story about my teenage son getting hurt during a football game. I was there, doing all the mama things. But when his dad walked through the door, something shifted. He immediately seemed calmer. And I remember thinking, He just needed his daddy.

Here's what I want you to remember: Our children may not always tell us they need us, but that doesn't mean they don't.


Whether you're a father trying to become more involved, a mother carrying most of the parenting responsibilities, or a family figuring out how to work together, start with what you can control.


Be consistent. Make time to listen. Show up in the ways your child needs. Because sometimes the greatest impact comes from simply being there.


Connect With Dwight DeRamus

Dwight E. DeRamus Jr. is an educator, speaker, and award-winning author of Disappearing Dads: Revised Edition. Through his writing and speaking, he addresses fatherhood, family relationships, personal responsibility, and the importance of intentional parenting.

His book explores the impact of father involvement and offers a Christian perspective on strengthening families and relationships.


Book: Disappearing Dads: Revised Edition — available through his website and Amazon.

Instagram: Dwight E. DeRamus Jr. / Trey Nickel Media




Middle School Mayhem™ helps parents understand adolescent behavior, change the interaction, and strengthen the family.

Because Parenting... Doesn't Come With a Pamphlet.

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